Well today it’s been three years since I had my bowel re-section, and it seems like a distant memory of my fight and recovery.

The week started with my annual blood test, a feeling that once complete starts to quell this uneasiness in my stomach, coinciding with September, a month I  dread due to memories of my brother and Autumn hits (I hate the cold), the realisation ‘Winter is Coming’ starts to dampen my mood.

But you have to keep going.  The last three years have been spent getting back on my feet, literally. The chemo and covid left me with neuropathy, plantar fasciitis and an issue with balance. I just kept falling over, especially on my right ankle which has called Achilles tendonitis. Now this might not be the norm, I genuinely think my case is slightly bespoke because of the pandemic and being forced to stay inside wearing only slippers and Ugg Boots.

However, my beautiful pooch arrived shortly after chemo finished and my joy was to bring her up – a working labrador she needs exercise and has a love of swimming and balls. She has grown in to such an affectionate girl, soft, placid but with a cheekiness especially when it comes to playing with her nest of many many toys.

Which meant regardless of the pain, I had to get on my feet and walk her – and I was referred to musculoskeletal to help ease the plantar fasciitis pain. I have had steroid injections in my soles (that hurt), and two rounds of shock wave therapy. I also take 150mg of Pregabalin for nerve pain every day with amitriptyline if I get a flare up.

Either way it’s three years later, and I decided in 2023 to just get on with it, the pain is now manageable and I have good and bad days. I have had to chuck out most of my shoes that were ‘dressy’ as they can’t take the special insoles and regularly browse Strive and Vionics for new orthopedic shoes. I am also looking at getting an automatic next year as the clutch on difficult drives really irritates my Achilles.

But that’s not why I’m updating the blog, it was to say on this anniversary I have started to fundraise for BowelCancer UK and finally give back after all their efforts. I am walking with Bertie 43 miles this September and hope to do more. I have some super friends who have organised walks with me and I’m just so thrilled the Charity launched an initiative perfect for Berts and me called Walkies Together, we know poochie is a large part of my story.

I will be updating as I go but in blocks. I’ve even been part of the social media campaign and have had a little news article published in my local paper.

To donate: https://fundraise.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/event/walk-together/donate